How to Make the Most of Your First Wedding Dress Shopping Appointment

Your first wedding dress shopping appointment can be super daunting. We've all had a certain vision when it comes to the dream wedding dress, and finding the one is harder than you might assume. Whether you're going into wedding dress shopping knowing exactly what you want—designer, model, budget, check, check, check!—or you need help determining exactly what your bridal style is, that first wedding dress shopping appointment can make even the most seasoned shopper feel overwhelmed. So what can you do to prepare for the first wedding dress appointment? We turned to Faymi Winters, BHLDN's district brand leader, to help us solve this tricky question.

What can I do to prep?

It’s perfectly fine to have no clue where to start. Stylists are there to guide you. That said, if you have an idea of your wedding look, we love seeing photos, and hearing about what inspires you, the venue, and details of the event so we can paint an overall picture. Sometimes a bride with a casual, sporty sense of everyday style will surprise you by saying she pictures herself in a ball gown with a cathedral veil!

Should I bring anything?

Shoes similar to the height you’ll wear on your wedding day, skin-colored undergarments, any shapewear you’re planning to use, a strapless bra, and light bites to keep your energy up.

Any advice for the night before or day of?

Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat regular-size meals for stamina. Remember that you’ll be stepping in and out of wedding gowns all day, with some of them going over your head, so low-maintenance hair and light, fresh makeup work best. It’s important to remain true to your focus: finding the gown that makes you feel your best.

This story originally appeared in the April/May 2019 issue of Brides, on sale beginning February 26.